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Stall applications for Batavia Downs 2017 meet are now available

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Horsemen wishing to race at Batavia Downs for the upcoming summer/fall meet please note that stall applications are now available for download on the track's website (www.bataviadownsgaming.com). Simply click Live Racing>Horsemen>Stall Application and Agreement. The complete 2017 racing schedule can be found at Live Racing>Live Racing Schedule.

Stall applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association (WNYHHA) website (www.wnyhha.net) or at the WNYHHA office located at Buffalo Raceway.

Race Secretary Joe Zambito has advised that all stall applications must be received by the track no later than Friday (July 7). The backstretch opens for tack on Tuesday (July 18) and horses may begin arriving in the barn area on Thursday (July 20).

The 71st season of live harness racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track features 71 race dates including seven matinee cards. The meet opens on Wednesday (July 26) and runs through Saturday (Dec. 16).

Live racing will be presented on Sunday afternoons at 1:15 p.m., Wednesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. to begin the season. Monday will replace Sunday in September and go at 5 p.m.

Once again, the 2017 meet will be highlighted by the very popular claiming series that the track introduced last year. Mid-level claimers accumulate points throughout the year and then vie for championship final purses of between $15,000 and $20,000 in November for each respective division.

All stable inquiries should be directed to Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing at 585-343-3750, ext. 6322.

Oakfield-Alabama Girls 12-u softball results from Avon tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield-Alabama Girls 12-U All-Star Softball Team Captures 1st-Place in Avon Tournament

What: Alan Bailey Softball Tournament

Where: Avon Driving Park

When: Saturday 06.03.2017

Game #1: 

Oakfield-Alabama Hornets – 8

Avon – 1

Game #2:

Oakfield-Alabama Hornets – 5

Victor Vipers (Black) – 4

Championship Game:

Oakfield-Alabama Hornets – 9

Victor Vipers (Pink) – 7

Oakfield-Alabama Hornets - Tournament Division MVP (2nd MVP Award in the past 3-years) – Jenna Gilbert (Pitched 3 amazing games!!!)

Oakfield-Alabama Tournament All-Stars - Makena Reding & Caitlin Ryan

Coaches:

Teresa Tobolski

Mike Cianfrini

Dusty Reding

 

Players:

Caitlyn Kotarski

Josie Reding

Jenna Gilbert

Makena Reding

Andrea Bradt

Kara Tobolski

Josephine Carabello

Caitlin Ryan

Katie Raziano

Brooke Reding

McKenna Johnson

Sophia Cianfrini

Kayleigh Williams

Host families needed to house Muckdog players for the 2017 season

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Would you like to live with the next Matt Carpenter, Ryan Howard or Chase Utley? 

The Batavia Muckdogs are again seeking local families to assist in housing players during the 2017 baseball season.

Anyone can help provide lodging for this year's Muckdogs by either providing space or renting a room, apartment, or home. While many host families come back year after year, the team is always looking to add to their list of availabilities for the players.   

Host Families play a crucial role in helping young players feel comfortable in a new environment. Many who have hosted players in the past have had incredibly wonderful experiences. However, with players coming and going throughout the season, we have constant needs as far as housing.

The 2017 season runs from June 17 until Sept. 5 and players typically range from 18-23 years of age. Because of the players' schedule, they typically spend about 40 nights in their Host Family home. Host families are not required to provide meals or transportation for players. 

Anyone in need of more information on becoming a Host Family is invited to contact the Muckdogs’ office at (585) 343-5454 or tsick@muckdogs.com. You can also call our housing coordinator Shirley Fanara directly at (585) 356-3411.

Friends of BHS Baseball Coach Pep Johnson who want to attend his Hall of Fame induction event asked to RSVP by June 10

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Section V Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for longtime Batavia High School Baseball Coach Pep Johnson will take place before the Rochester Red Wings game at Frontier Field on Sunday, June 25. The game itself starts at 1:35 p.m. and a special induction ceremony will take place beforehand.

Here's the schedule for the day, provided by organizer Pat Mee.

The stadium gates will be open at 11:15 a.m. for admittance of the inductees, their guests, friends and supporters. There will be a table set up at the stadium entrance where these attendees can pick up their reserved tickets.

The program will begin in The Nest, which is beyond right field at 11:45 a.m. All of the inductees or their representatives will by introduced, and each will have a short time to speak if they would like to. Honorees will get a plaque permanently placed on a wall at Frontier Field, and a plaque will be given to each honoree to keep.

 At 12:45 p.m., the group will proceed to the baseball field. The on-field ceremony will take place at 1:10. Dan Mason will read each inductee’s bio, and will present them with their plaque, once again, on the field. Each inductee will be throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

After the ceremony, the honorees and their guests will return to The Nest for lunch. Members of this group are free to proceed to their seat and the Wings game at any time. Hopefully attendees will enjoy a Red Wing win!

Honorees and their invited guests will be the guests of the Section V Baseball Hall of Fame Committee for the afternoon. The cost for others who would like to attend the induction ceremony at The Nest will be $30 per person. Children under 4 are free and ages 5-12 are $18. This will include hot dogs, hamburgers, salad, soda, and a game ticket.

Please contact Pat Mee to make your reservations for the afternoon.

You can contact Pat by phoning (585) 704-3214, emailing to:  omee@rochester.rr.com, or mailing to: Pat Mee, 295 Peck Road, Hilton, NY 14468

The committee would appreciate reservations by Saturday, June 10st. Checks should be made payable to Section V Baseball Hall of Fame and sent to the above address.

The committee is looking forward to honoring Pep Johnson for his extraordinary contributions to baseball. It will surely be a great afternoon!

Sincerely,

Ory Mee

The Section V Baseball of Hall of Fame Committee

Questions? Email: omee@rochester.rr.com

Team New Era Elite Travel Teams offer current summer baseball players chance to extend season

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Current summer baseball players ages 9 through 17 can extend their season through the fall with Team New Era Fall Elite Travel Teams.

Teams will participate in league and tournament play in September and October.

Tryouts will be held at their Depew training facility, 3950 Broadway, as follows:

  • Current summer players ages 9 thru 11 -- Thursday June 15th at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday July 19th at 5:30 p.m.
  • Current summer players ages 12 thru 14 -- Thursday June 15th at 7 p.m. and Wednesday July 19th at 7p.m.
  • Current summer players ages 15 thru 17 -- Thursday June 15th at 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday July 19th at 8:30 p.m.

Players need only attend one tryout.

For more information seewww.teamnewerabaseball.com or contact Rich Wozniak at 716-681-3001.

Batavia Jr. Blue Devil Summer Basketball Camp will be Aug. 14-18 at John Kennedy School, cost is $65

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Jr. Blue Devil Summer Basketball Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 14-18 at the John Kennedy School gymnasium.

The camp is open to boys and girls entering grades 3 through 8 in the fall. Cost is $65 and includes a camp T-shirt.

Campers are asked to bring their own basketball and put their name on it.

The camp will feature Coach Jim Fazio, the Batavia Jr. Blue Devil youth director, and youth coaches and current and former Blue Devil players.

The focus will be on the offensive fundamentals of the game, including shooting, passing, dribbling, and ball handling, with a major emphasis on shooting. There will be daily contests with full court and half court games.

Please note that Batavia City School District is not responsbile for any injury that may happen during camp.

Checks should be made payable to:  Batavia Boys Basketball Boosters; mail to Jim Fazio, 5190 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

To contact Coach Fazio, call 356-0901 or email  jfazio@gvboces.org

With payment, please provide the following information and include a parent's or guardian's signature:

  • Camper's name
  • Address
  • City
  • Age
  • Grade child will enter in the fall
  • School
  • Phone number
  • Medical concerns
  • T-shirt size (specify youth -- small through extra large, or adult -- small through extra large)

John Kennedy School is located at 166 Vine St. in the City of Batavia.

Le Roy's tennis team wins Section V title

By Howard B. Owens

Yesterday, Le Roy's tennis team beat Mynderse 3-2 to claim the 2017 Section V Class CC Championship.

This is the team's second sectional title and first since 2001.

Jim Farnholz ends his 31-year coaching career with a sectional title. His daughter Sophie is a senior on the team playing 1st singles.

The team finished with a 12-2 record, and Le Roy's 4th team sectional title. Previously, the volleyball, winter cheerleading, and baseball teams claimed titles.

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle. 

BHS Coach Briggs to hold Youth Football Camp July 17-18, cost is $40

By Billie Owens
Batavia High School Coach Brennan Briggs will hold a Youth Football Camp for children entering grades 1 through 8 on Monday and Tuesday, July 17-18. It will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Batavia High School. Cost is $40.
 
Highlights of camp: Offensive and defensive position work, speed challenge, flag football games to end each day, T-shirt, pizza.
 
Special Guests: Along with Coach Briggs and his staff, members of the three-time Section V Championship teams will speak and work with the campers.
 
You can register by sending in the following information and the $40 payment: 
  • Camper's name
  • Grade camper is entering
  • Emergency contact name and phone number
  • T-shirt size (register by June 30th to guarantee correct size) 
Checks should be made payable to "Blue Devils Touchdown Club" and sent to 103 Oak St., Batavia, NY 14020
 
Questions, contact Coach Brennan Briggs @ 585-409-5557
 
RECAP
What: Youth Football Camp
Who: Children entering grades 1 through 8
When: Monday, July 17th & Tuesday, July 18th from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Batavia High School, 260 State St., Batavia
Cost: $40​

Longtime BHS Baseball Coach Pep Johnson to be inducted into Section V Hall of Fame June 25

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Longtime Batavia High School Baseball Coach, Pep Johnson is being inducted into the Section V Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 25.

The ceremony will take place prior to the Rochester Red Wings game that begins at 1:35 p.m.. The on-field ceremony will take place at 1:10.

Pep is a 1959 graduate of BHS and was inducted into the Batavia Blue Devil Hall of Fame in 2004.

Pep Johnson  ---Coaching statistics -----Batavia High School

  • Coached baseball from 1966 to 1998 (32 years, 26 years at the Varsity level)
  • Complied 364 wins in those 26 seasons
  • Received the Tri County Umpires Bob Flick Sportsmanship Award in 1986
  • 1973 – League Champs
  • 1975 -- League Champs and County Champs (Only year there was an East – West Playoff)
  • 1979 -- League Champs
  • 1980 -- League and Sectional Champs
  • 1983 – Sectional Finals
  • 1987 -- League Champs
  • 1988 -- Sectional Finals
  • 1991 -- Sectional Champs
  • 1994 -- Sectional Champs
  • 1998 -- Sectional Champs

Week 4 co-ed softball results

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted info:

The New Batavia Softball League's Week 4 results and recaps all from Kibbe Park...
 
The New Batavia Softball League's Wednesday Night Wednesday Night Coed Week 4 Recap from Kibbe Park...
Game 1
(Home) 97 Rock (3-1) 1,1,1,7,3,0,x
(Away) Wii Not Fit (2-2) 4,1,1,4,0,0,0
Home
N. Cummings 4-4 2rbi
D. Ball 2-3 1rbi
S. George 2-3 2rbi
L. Stout 1-4 1rbi
D. Cummings 1-4 1rbi
S. Krna 3-4 1rbi
D. Cervone 2-4 2rbi
B. Gillagan 3-4 1rbi
K. Cervone 2-4
J. Quinn 1-2 2rbi
Away
E. Davis 3-4 3rbi
C. Chinn 1-3 1rbi
M. Dwyer 3-3
N. Gaudy 1-3 2rbi
G. Hodges 1-3 2rbi
J. Stymus 1-3 1rbi
P. Mutter 1-3
J. Pal 2-3 1rbi
D. Gioia 0-3
N. Nicameti 1-3
D. Coley 1-3
J. Molisani 0-1
C. Hall 0-1
Game Recap-
Not to take away from N. Cummings who may never have a perfect box score at the plate again, but the women of 97 Rock really went to work. Batting 6-14 (.429 average) and driving in 5 big runs I believe was the difference in this game. Stout, D. Cervone, K. Cervone, K. Cervone, and J. Quinn all went to work. Takes a lot matching the bat of E. Davis this season who every time box scores are tallied has a full line. Krna starts off the 4th inning with a double and as they would bat around he would deliver a single later in the inning to drive in a run tying the game 10-10. Kim, Jenna, and Nate all score in the 5th to give 97 Rock a 13-10 lead which they would hold onto at the conclusion of the game. 97 Rock (3-1) takes their 3 game winning streak with them next week against The Misfits (1-3) at 9pm. Wii Not Fit (2-2) who has made every game suspenseful faces Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (4-0) at 8pm weather permitting...
 
Game 2 Wednesday Night Coed
(Home) Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (4-0) 1,5,0,4,3, mercy
(Away) The Misfits (1-3) 1,0,0,0,0,0
Home
B. Spurling 4-4 2rbi
J. Huertas 2-3 4rbi
T. Maurer 3-4 1rbi
T. Lazik 2-4 4rbi
L. Chatt 1-4
M. Good 1-3
C. Spurling 2-3
R. Rowcliff 1-3
D. Callahan 2-3 1rbi
V. Redman 2-3 1rbi
Away
B. Whitehead 1-3
S. Curry 0-3
J. Maskell 1-3
D. Pirincci 1-3 1rbi
Dio 1-2
C. Weibel 0-2
M. Ayers 2-2
K. McGill 1-2
A. Blanco 0-2
J. Potter 0-1
Game Recap-
Well this game started out promising for the misfits as B. Whitehead leads off the game with a single and would later score on a Pirincci rbi single. The Misfits would only give up (my fingers are burning typing this) a leadoff home run to B. Spurling in the bottom half of the 1st inning as the game was tied concluding the inning at one. Unfortunately the wheels would fall off for The Misfits following. Thankfully the wheels stay on the 4 Wheeler Weibel provides to drag rake the infield. Huertas and Lazik continue pounding the ball, bringing many base runners across home plate. Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (4-0) will have their double header next Wednesday starting at 7pm against The Gallaghers (3-2) then at 8pm against Wii Not Fit (2-2). The Misfits (1-3) will face 97 Rock (3-1) at 9pm if we can get some nice weather this year...
 
Game 3 Wednesday Night Coed
(Home) Wii Not Fit (3-2) 6,1,0,0,4,3,x 
(Away) T.N.B.S.L. Slapnut Magoos (0-4) 0,0,3,1,2,3,0
Home
E. Davis 3-3 2rbi
C. Chinn 3-3 3rbi
M. Dwyer 2-3 1rbi
N. Gaudy 1-2 2rbi
G. Hodges 1-3 1rbi
J. Stymus 1-3 1rbi
D. Gioia 1-3
J. Pal 2-3 1rbi
O. Thomas 2-3 1rbi
J. Molisani 0-1 1rbi
C. Hall 1-3
P. Mutter 2-3 1rbi
Away
S. Coffta 1-3 2rbi
B. Burg 2-4 1rbi
A. Ford 0-3
H. Rascoe 2-3 1rbi
Bobby Joe 0-3
C. Densmore 1-3
Whitey 2-3
M. Taylor 0-3
A. Nichols 3-3 1rbi
J. Cone 3-3 3rbi
J. Petry 0-3
C. Rolle 2-3 1rbi
Game Recap-
Wii Not Fit gets back on track after losing the first game of their double header slapping another loss to the record of T.N.B.S.L. Slapnut Magoos. Davis goes 6-7 with 5 rbi in the twin cap and Chinn really delivers in this game knocking in an rbi in 3 out of her 4 at bats. The bright spot for the winless magoos at least is that they lasted 7 innings in this one, showing massive improvement. Bad news is the gentleman need their ladies to pick it up and help them out. 0-12 won't help win many games. T.N.B.S.L. Slapnut Magoos (0-4) will look for their first win against a team not doing much better than them, the TF Browns Blind Squirrels (1-3) at 6pm. Wii Not Fit (3-2) will look to carry over their momentum against Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (4-0) who have their own momentum currently going. That game is scheduled for 8pm if the weather allows it...
 
 
Game 4 Wednesday Night Coed
(Home) TF Browns Blind Squirrels (1-3) 1,0,7,0,2,1,7 (18)
(Away) The Gallaghers (3-2) 5,11,0,0,0,1,3 (20)
Home
M. Badami 4-5 2rbi
R. Sumeriski 4-5 3rbi
H. Dempsey 2-5 1rbi
J. Lee 2-5 1rbi
C. Harrington 4-5 3rbi
A. Ford 2-5 1rbi
M. Leto 3-4 1rbi 
M. Greene 3-5 1rbi
K. Rowland 1-5 1rbi
M. Jamil 4-5 3rbi
Away
TJ Sauka 5-6 3rbi
Tom Sauka 4-6 1rbi
S. Prusinowski 1-2 1rbi
A. Prusinowski 2-5 4rbi
B. Culliton 4-5 2rbi
T. Sanchez 1-4 1rbi
L. Tillery 1-4 1rbi
M. Saxman 3-4 2rbi
J. Marucci 3-5 3rbi
J. Vasi 2-4 2rbi
Game Recap-
Not one single player on either team in this game fell short of driving in at least 1 run during this monster scoring game. The Gallaghers came out full throttle on the verge of ending this game early via mercy. Building a 16-1 lead. Every single player in the first 2 innings for The Gallaghers crossed the plate, including Tom Sauka who scored three times across those two innings. TF Browns Blind Squirrels would extend the game longer as they located their gloves and remembered how to swing a bat including K. Rowland with an impressive line drive RBI single lazering past the third baseman in the air, scoring seven in the third inning and shutting out the away team for three straight innings. TJ Sauka would knock in 2 runs top of the 7th inning to extend the lead to 9 runs after J. Lee walks J. Vasi just prior with 2 outs to load the bases. Home team with their last ups trailing by 9 has M. Jamil lead off the inning with an opposite field home run after being called out by teammate R. Sumeriski who said that they would follow his lead good or bad. The team responds and bats around to give Jamil a chance to tie the game with a runner on 2nd base with 2 outs. Garbage hit fly ball to left center ends the game as TJ Sauka catches the can of corn sealing the deal and the comeback attempt falls short for the home team. The Gallaghers (3-2) will take on Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (4-0) at 7pmWednesday night while the struggling TF Browns Blind Squirrels (1-3) square up against The New Batavia Softball League's Slaput Magoos (0-4) at 6pm weather permitting. The good news for both those teams are is somebody will come out with a victory as T.N.B.S.L. Slapnut Magoos are on a 4 game losing streak, while the TF Browns Blind Squirrels carry their own impressive 3 game losing streak.

Three-decade title drought ends for Le Roy baseball

By Howard B. Owens

The Oatkan Knights won Le Roy's first Section V championship in baseball since 1988 with a 4-3, eight-inning victory last night over Geneseo.

Reece Tresco had the game-winning RBI on a double to right center with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. He scored Cody Fitzsimmons. 

Tim McMullen and Josh Laurie combined for the win on the mound

Knights go to 13-9 on the season and ill play C2 Champ Avon Tuesday at Dwyer Stadium. Game time, 4:30 p.m.

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle. 

Photos: Memorial Murph at Batavia Cross Training

By Howard B. Owens

Riley D'Alba, of Oakfield, completes her squats during a workout today at Batavia Cross Training known as the Memorial Murph.

The event is a scholarship fundraiser for students pursuing careers in law enforcement; the proceeds this year going to D'Alba, who plans to attend Hobart College.

Dozens of people completed The Murph today, which is named in honor of Lt. Micheal Murphy, a Navy Seal killed in action in 2005 in Afghanistan. The workout, which he called Body Armor, starts with a one-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and ends with another one-mile run. Those who have them and can endure it also wear a 20-pound vest.

Batavia Cross Training holds annual Memorial Murph over Memorial Day weekend to honor those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. Several members of local law enforcement participate each year.

Batavia Boys outdoor track team captures back to back sectional title

By Steve Ognibene

For the second year in a row, the Batavia Blue Devils boys outdoor track team captured the Section V title at the host school, Honeoye Falls Lima, yesterday evening. Batavia finished with 110 points over second place rival U-Prep, which scored 88 points.

Highlights of their success include junior Anthony Ray winning both the discus throw event at 43.81 meters and shot put at 16.54 meters, setting a new school shot put record. Senior Frederick Cunningham took third place in both the triple jump and high jump. Senior Andrew Mruczek took first in the long jump with 6.64 meters.

Boys relay teams placed third in both 4x100 and 4x400 and took second in the 4x8. Senior Campbell Anderson finished fourth in both the 800-meter run and pole vault and senior Sam Bartz took fifth in the pole vault. Julio Vazquez took second in the 110 meter hurdles and fourth in the 400-meter hurdles. Eric Davis took took in both the 400-meter hurdles and 100-meter dash. Andrew Mruczek took second in the 200-meter dash.

Last year sectional winners Batavia girls outdoor track team finished last night in third place overall with 63 points. Iaya Franklin finished second place in the 100- and 400-meter dash and first in the 200-meter dash. Claire Zickl finshed fourth in the 800-meter run. Batavia girls took first in the 4x400-meter relay. Sophomore Lizzie Cohen placed first in the pole vault. Senior Tanner Kolb finished third in the discus. Edmarie Calderon-Torres finished fifth in the pentathlon.

This marks Batavia track and field with their 29th Sectional Championship in program history.

Elba Lancers Golf Team takes Class C Section V title

By Howard B. Owens

The Elba Lancers Golf Team is the Class C Section V champion after scoring a 172 on Thursday at the Livingston Country Club, beating out seven other teams, including second-place Honeoye, which carded a 187.

In the rain-shortened championship, Henry Pflaumer shot a 40, while Joe Lane, Ben Pflaumer, and CJ Gottler all had 44. The Lancers added to their Genesee Region Division II Championship along with Ben Pflaumer's Individual Class C Sectional Title. Only three other golfers in the field shot 44 or lower.

The team is coached by Mike Cintorino.

Submitted photo and information.

Shane Hoehn joins Batavia Downs staff for the 2017 meet

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs:

Batavia Downs is pleased to announce that Shane Hoehn will be joining their staff as Assistant Race Secretary and Program Director for the upcoming live harness racing meet that begins on July 26.

Hoehn was born and raised in Vernon and started working at Vernon Downs right out of high school. During his 20-year tenure there, he started out selling programs and eventually became their full-time Race Secretary, a post he held for seven years.

In 2010, Hoehn left his duties at Vernon to pursue his own business venture. However in 2012, he went back to his racing roots and took the Assistant Race Secretary position at Saratoga Raceway, where he worked until 2014.

“I am looking forward to coming to Batavia Downs and get back into racing full time," Hoehn said. "I have never been to Western New York and am very excited to move there and get started. I have known (Batavia Downs Race Secretary) Joe Zambito for quite a while and am looking forward to working with him."

As much as Hoehn is anxious to starting his new position, track management is equally pleased with the new addition to their team.

“In an era that requires personnel in our industry to wear many hats on a daily basis, Shane Hoehn brings 22 years of experience in race track administration with him to Batavia Downs and will be a valuable asset to the racing community here” said Todd Haight, director and general manager of Live Racing at the Genesee County oval. We look forward to getting him settled in and underway in with his duties.”

Batavia Downs opens its 2017 live racing season on Wednesday (July 26) and will host 71 cards of harness racing action through Saturday (Dec. 16).

Muckdogs announce 2017 promotional schedule

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise and the Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, are excited to announce the release of their promotional schedule for the 2017 season. This year’s schedule will once again feature fireworks, giveaways, special events and daily promotions. 

This year’s promotional schedule is jam packed with fun and amazing values. Throughout the 2017 season, the Muckdogs will feature six fireworks shows, eight giveaway nights, Bark in the Park and the annual post-game helicopter candy drop. This year will also feature a “Turn Back the Clock” game where all tickets are just $5 and hot dogs and soda that night will cost just $1.

Highlights of the 2017 Promotional Schedule include:

Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway

Monday, June 19th

Pre-Game Chicken Wing Eating Contest

Monday, June 26th

Independence Day Celebration Fireworks

Tuesday, July 4th

T-Shirts Etc. 20th Anniversary Night & T-Shirt Giveaway

Saturday, July 15th  

Irish Night 

Thursday, July 20th

Downtown Batavia Night 

Thursday, July 27th

Former Buffalo Bills LB Ray Bentley Autograph Appearance & Book Giveaway

Saturday, July 29th  

Muckdogs Note Pad Giveaway

Saturday, Aug. 5th

Post-Game Helicopter Candy Drop

Sunday, Aug. 6th

Batavia Lions Club Bike Raffle

Monday, Aug. 7th

Turn Back the Clock Night 

Thursday, Aug. 17th

Team Photo Giveaway

Saturday, Aug. 19th & 26th

Bark in the Park 

Sunday, Aug. 20th

Fireworks Nights will be as follows: July 4th, July 14th, July 21st, July 28th, Aug. 4th and Aug. 18th

The Muckdogs will once again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season. 

The Muckdogs daily promotions lineup is as follows: 

  • Mondays: Muckdog Monday presented by The Daily News: With a coupon from the Saturday edition of The Daily News, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets. 
  • Tuesdays: Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program: The first 50 kids accompanied by an adult receive a free General Admission ticket. 
  • Wednesdays: Family 4-Pack Night: Fans can purchase four General Admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. sodas and a 2017 program for just $32, a savings of $19.00. 
  • Thursdays: Kids Eat Free courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurants: The first 100 kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda, and snack item. 
  • Fridays: Post-game fireworks will light up the sky after every Friday night home game. 
  • Saturdays: Dollar Draft Saturday: From 6-7 p.m., 12-oz. Bud Light and Genny Light drafts are just $1. 
  • Sundays: Post-Game Run the Bases with Homer presented by Bob Evans Restaurant: Kids have the opportunity to run the bases with Homer after the game and receive a coupon from Bob Evans Restaurant in Batavia. Seniors Eat Free courtesy of The Williams Law Firm: The first 100 seniors 60 and over receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee, and a snack item. 

For a complete promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585)343-5454

The Muckdogs open their 2017 home schedule on Monday, June 19th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. Muckdogs’ season tickets, coupon books, group tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Individual tickets went on sale Monday.

Dates announced for Summer Sports Camps at GCC for soccer and volleyball

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Athletics Department has announced dates for upcoming soccer and volleyball camps to take place this summer at the College.

The camps will be taught by GCC coaches and players as well as other select coaches and players, and offer young athletes an opportunity to learn the skills and techniques of the game all while having fun.

Boys and girls ages 12-17 that want to work on soccer goalkeeping skills will have the opportunity to do so at the strictly-goalkeeper soccer camp beginning on June 18. The camp will meet on Sunday's (6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9 & 7/16) from 3 – 4:30 p.m and the cost of the camp is $75.

GCC women's soccer Head Coach Jeff Reyngoudt will run the camp and focus on all aspects of the game with the keepers, including lots of individual attention. Players will be placed according to age (based on numbers), creating a healthy, challenging, learning environment for each player. The sessions are serious and intense, but will never lose sight of the fact that soccer is a game and player's enjoyment is the number one priority. For more information contact Coach Reyngoudt: jcreyngoudt@genesee.edu or by calling (585)330-3593.

The GCC women's soccer program will host a camp for girls ages 12 – 17 and boys ages 12 – 17 from July 24 - 28. Head Coach Reyngoudt will be joined by other area coaches and college players throughout the five-day camp, which will run each day from 9 – 11:30 a.m. for girls and 12:30 – 3 p.m. for boys. The GCC soccer program believes the "game" is the best teacher and that philosophy will be evident at the camp. Cost of the camp is $125. Contact Coach Reyngoudt with any questions or concerns: jcreyngoudt@genesee.edu or by calling (585)330-3593.

GCC volleyball and Head Coach Tricia Ziebarth will host a volleyball camp for boys and girls in grades 7-12 on Aug. 7 – 9. The camp will run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day and Coach Ziebarth will ensure that each participant learns the proper, fundamental techniques essential for the sport. Participants will learn the skills, drills and thrills of volleyball led by Ziebarth and select assistant coaches. Cost of the camp is $125. Contact Coach Ziebarth with any questions or concerns: tkziebarth@genesee.edu or by calling (607)765-7627.

For further information and registration, visit www.geneseeathletics.com/camps

Genesee Community College athletics program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College. Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork, and cooperation.

BHS Coach Buddy Brasky holds Basketball Training Camp in Batavia this summer

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia High School Coach Buddy Brasky will hold Basketball Training Camp at Batavia City Schools this summer.

Brasky will be joined by: skills instructor Tim Sullivan; Tom Redband, girls varsity coach at Elba High School; Matt Shay, boys varsity coach at Pembroke High School; Billy Truitt, former Division 1 and professional basketball player; and Bill Pitcher, longtime area basketball player and coach.

Basketball Training Camp will be held from July 3rd- Aug. 11th.  There will be two sessions:

  1. Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for boys in grades 9-college;
  2. Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for boys in grades 7 and 8, and girls in grades 7-college.

This is a six-week program that will emphasize offensive skill development. The program is open to anyone, male or female, from grades 7- college.

Cost for the program is $395. For an application call or text Buddy Brasky at 585-356-4050 or email mbrasky@bataviacsd.org

26th annual Youth Fishing Derby at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is June 3

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Let’s go fishing! To celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Basom is hosting its 26th Annual Youth Fishing Derby, on Saturday, June 3. The event will be held at Ringneck Overlook, on Oak Orchard Ridge Road.

On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. There is no preregistration or reservations required. Fishing is from 8 to 11a.m.

The event is free and open to youths 17 years old and under, with no experience necessary. If this is your first time angling, some fishing gear will be available to borrow.

Certificates will be awarded for the first-, second- and third-place participants in three age categories: 7 years and under, 8-12 and 13-17 years. Derby rules are available on our website: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois or by calling 585/948-5445. Participants and helpers must comply with New York State license requirements.

This event is one of the many ways the Refuge offers to connect people with nature. Connecting People with Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation is a national priority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the mission of “working to ensure that all Americans have enjoyable and meaningful experiences in the out-of-doors and develop strong life-long connections with the natural world.”

The Youth Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Inc., a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to support the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is located at 1101 Casey Road, Basom.

Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at 585/948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.

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